Sunday, July 19, 2009

It was my first summer in Vermont. I had only been a mother for a few months when we arrived. The moment I first saw my daughter Abby (thanks "natural childbirth") I learned how much one person could unconditionally love another...an unfathomable depth. Mornings were often shrouded in fog until the heavy dew hanging over the soaring mountains burned off. Lazy days were sunny and warm punctuated with fabulous views of the ski runs at Mad River. We were temporarily renting a chalet until moving into the old farmhouse at "Samara Farm", a 300 acre former horse farm.

On July 20th the entire world was focused on the first man to set foot on the moon. We were at our neighbor David Millstone's house glued to the tv screen, minutes away from that famous "step for mankind", when it happened. His youngest son, aged five, had a freak fall resulting in a bleeding head wound. Priorities shifted. The child was immediately transported down the hill to the office of the town's only year-round resident doctor. This former dermatologist unwittingly retired to Waitsfield, VT. where he was ultimately pressed back into service setting bones broken on the surrounding ski slopes. So when his home was invaded once again with a medical emergency, he was not a happy camper. It prevented him from seeing the live telecast from the moon. His ranting was heard throughout the Mad River Valley, although his patient totally recovered.

Remarkably, in a few days, I'll be deliciously faced with the prospect of DOING NOTHING for almost two weeks while Bonni Bakes is closed for vacation.

Stephanie is smart. She's using her time off to head out West and reconnect with assorted family members after a long separation. I considered what I should do, where I could go. After six years could I fulfill my promise and scatter Rea's ashes over Llinaritx Nou in Menorca? Could I make good on my offer to spend a week in Maryland helping my brother organize his house? Is there a way I could manage to fly up to NY and spend time with my cousin Krista (& stand-in for a sister) who is going through cancer treatment? How can I find Rumplestiltskin's cell number and have him be my concierge? Did I really have to get ALL THAT STUFF on my to-do list done? Why isn't my dog Muffin pulling his share of household chores? Rain is a good thing, but it makes the weeds grow LIKE CRAZY when it feels too hot to do yard work. After living in the TreeHouse for 2 years, why aren't my pictures hung yet?

After lots of consideration I've decided to GO NOWHERE and tackle that list. First up will be general clean-up, trimming bushes & repainting the fence at Bonni Bakes, followed by power washing the pavers. We'll be cutting back a lot of my organic rosemary so if you'd like some let me know. Then it's time to get my former residence on Bowlees Creek ready for sale. I'll be posting pictures and details of how you can earn BIG BUCKS when it sells. Look for that in my August email.

We're getting a wonderful response to our Oct 2nd cancer fundraiser, "Making Strides With Artsy Undies". I've put together a flyer for downloading in PDF form and it's yours for the asking. Right now you might be asking, but...but...but it's almost lunchtime and I'm hungry so let's see this week's menus. My pleasure.

Hugs from the kitchen,Bonni=========================================================TUES JULY 21 Steph’s ETHIOPIAN LUNCH served 11-2

DrinksBottled Spring Water, cans of soda $1Brewed Raspberry Iced Tea or Hot Tea (assorted bags) $1.50Our House Blend of Half-Caff/Half-DeCaff Flavored Coffee $1.50=================================================Remember, we love you but we don't take debit/credit cards...or your first born.We'll be closed after Saturday July 25 for vacation and re-open Friday night August 7 for the Village of the Arts ArtWalk 6:30-9:00pm. Our August menu will be sent to everyone on our email list then. If you'd like to join our email list and receive weekly updates of menus & events in The Village, send your request to bonnibakes@gmail.com

LUNCH SERVED TUES-SAT FROM 11-2.

SPECIAL OCCASION CAKES TO ORDER AND CATERING AVAILABLE.

BONNI BAKESin the Village of the Arts930 12th Street WestBradenton, FL(941) 746-6647

Sunday, July 12, 2009

because you just might find your next blank canvas in there. You know I've been alluding to a fundraiser BONNI BAKES will be sponsoring in conjunction with Strides Against Breast Cancer. Here's the skinny.BONNI BAKES will be hosting an Art Show during the month of October in the Village of the Arts, and you can be one of the featured artists. The show, "MAKING STRIDES WITH ARTSY UNDIES", will be a collection of uniquely decorated bras and panties. This is an opportunity to make your own personal statement, fight back against Breast Cancer and fund research.

No rules to get in the way of your creativity. Enter as many pieces as you like, all entries will be displayed. It's only $5 per entry for kids under age 18...$15 per entry for adults over age 18.100% of all entry fees will be donated via my team, Oinking For A Cure, during the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Walk October 24th. If you'd like to walk with our team, just let me know. I don't think there is a person out there who doesn't know someone whose life has been impacted by cancer. New treatments, based on funded research, continue to allow people like myself to become SURVIVORS...for me it's 11 years and counting! We all know people who are in the fight right now, so let's do this for them.

Start thinking about what you'd like to do...glitter, paint, feathers, spangles, crochet, leather, shells, needlepoint, chains, clay...whatever. Any siZe, anycolor, any material...from training bras to my Grandma's woolen gotkas!The show will be hung on clotheslines in the lush back gardens ofBONNI BAKES, with the opening reception Friday October 2 from 6 - 9:30pm during the Village's October ArtWalk. Of course, as one of the artists, we'd love for you to join us at the reception to discuss your work...or not. Entries must be delivered toBONNI BAKES by 3pm Saturday September 26 and can be reclaimed by the artist during the first week of November. For more information, call me at 941-746-6647. Out-of-town submissions welcome.

The dinners take place at BONNI BAKESin the Village of the Arts at 930 12th Street West (just south of 9th Ave/MLK), Bradenton. Reservations required. Cash only. Two seatings: 5:30 or 7:30. Call 941-746-6647.==============================================================You've been very patient reading through all of this, so here's some yummy lunch options to fantasize about. Then before you drool on the keyboard, call in for a pick-up order. Or join us in person in the cozy little cottage so we can catch up. These are the last two weeks before BONNI BAKES closes for vacation (July 26-Aug 7), re-opening for the evening ArtWalk and lunch on Sat Aug 8).================================================================Tues JULY 14 Steph’s TURKISH Menu served 11-2

Chick Pea Soup V A hearty soup of chick peas with lemon, parsley and onions, served with Farmer’s bread. $4

The first exotic food I ever had was Chinese. NYC’s Chinatown was a magical place filled with red lanterns, mysterious egg rolls, sizzling rice and ginger perfuming the air. Fumbling with chopsticks made me want to embrace it all.

Chinese Hot & Sour SoupLook in this flavorful clear soup for the Cloud’s Ears and Lily Buds that allow you to float off to another world. Served with homemade Fried Noodles. $4

Monday, July 6, 2009

Even though this is a short month for us (Bonni Bakes will be closed from July 26 - Aug 7), we're offering two very unique dinners. Stephanie Peterson invites you to join her Saturday July 18 for her 4 course Middle Eastern Meze Dinner. Seatings at 5:30 or 7:30, reservations required.

For those of you lucky enough to have participated in one of Steph's Traditional Ethiopian Dinners, she'll be rolling out the red carpet and the Injera again on Tuesday July 21, seatings at 5:30 and 7:30. The meal is served on a large platter covered with Injera (sourdough sponge like bread), and the following:

And if there's music in your soul and those toes want to go-a-tapping, give my friend Scott Blum a call at 941-778-0392 and see where he's playing...or throw your own party and let Scott add the musical magic that will make it truly special. Check out scottblummusic.com for more information.

Next week I'll announce the details of the Cancer Fundraiser that I'm organizing (a committee of one...and I'm unanimous in that). It involves imagination, underwear, a sense of humor, a desire to find a cure, an artistic eye (plus some other body parts) and a few bucks. 100% of money raised will be donated to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and you'll be a featured artist during the Village's October ArtWalk. You've got to participate, this could be your segue into an artistic career and you know what that's paying today!

Meanwhile, take care of yourself. A little pampering will give you more energy to do the things you love, with the special people in your life. Maybe get together and go to The American Music Films Series At The South Florida Museum. It kicks off Thursday July 8 with"Elvis: That's the Way It Is". And it is only $8 (seniors & students $6) but limited seating means that you better call 941-746-4131 quickly to reserve your seat. Bonni Bakes has been chosen to supply the cookie & pastry offerings at their cafe so you'll have something yummy to munch with your coffee or wine. On August 15th they're celebrating Mesopotamian Night with live music and food prepared by Parvin K, our Bonni Bakes alum. Many people ask me when she'll be cooking again, so here's your opportunity to enjoy her authentic Persian cuisine in a fabulous setting.

In a nod to Yogi (Berra, not "The Bear"), it's deja vous all over again. "Little Anna", who worked @ Bonni Bakes for 2 years during her formative early teen period, will be making some cameo appearances on Fridays during lunch. It's always great to see that despite my influence sometimes good kids turn out good! Please tip her well!!

In case you're still hungry after all of that, here's what's on the menu this week.

The Brooklyn neighborhood where I grew up has become home to many new Russian immigrants who continue to cook family recipes from the “old country”, just as my parents did after arriving at Ellis Island almost 100 years ago.

Rustic Russian Potato SoupAs close as you can get to the Russian soul in luscious liquid form...loved by czars & peasants alike. Served with Sourdough Rye Crisps $4

Mom’s Stuffed CabbageMom taught me how to make & roll holishkas when I was a kid and her recipe is still the best I’ve ever tasted. Served with homemade potato kugel. $7.50

About Me

I owned & operated a bakery/cafe in Florida during 1999-2011. Now I have the time to re-create the wonderful baked goods I miss from my childhood in Brooklyn, New York. Join me for the ride and share your own comments and memories.